British police chiefs fly "gay pride" flag... but are forbidden to put up the Union Jack



Police chiefs have come under fire today for flying the rainbow flag for lesbians, gays and bisexuals outside its police stations - when they are forbidden to display the Union Jack.

The multi-coloured 'Freedom' flag adopted by the gay pride movement in the 1970's is now flying at Suffolk Police's Ipswich HQ and its stations at Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft. The flags - which include the force's badge - are to mark lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history month.

But there was fierce criticism of the move after it was revealed that stations were not allowed, under force policy, to fly the Union Jack or the Cross of St George.

James Brady, 34, of Bury accused the police of being discriminatory - 'We don't seem to have a week celebrating hetrosexuality,' he said. 'It's very disappointing that the police are prepared to put up a flag for a minority at the same time as ignoring the vast majority of people. 'I am certainly not homophobic in any way - but it's double standards and ignores the roots and traditions of this country.'

Another resident Paul Kimpson, 59, said: 'It smacks of inequality and I am afraid it does seem to be yet another example of political correctness taking over from common sense. 'It's outrageous that the Union Jack can't be flown on days such as the Queen's Birthday and that the cross of St George is considered unworthy of being flown when appropriate.'

But Suffolk's Chief Constable Simon Ash, who personally ran up the rainbow flag at the force's HQ at Martlesham said: 'The flag signifies pride and inclusivity. 'We must continue to recognise and embrace differences while ensuring we provide a policing service to the people of the county who respect their differences.

'The flags send out the message that we will not accept crime motivated by hate and prejudice and will continue to champion equal opportunities. 'We have a commitment to tackle hate crimes [but not car theft or street violence] and we want the message to be clear to victims and offenders that offences involving disability, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation or transgender will not be tolerated.

'We are a force that values and embraces diversity among our own workforce and among the people we serve. I want this to be an organisation where everyone feels comfortable at work and is treated fairly.'

But the flags have prompted politically-incorrect comments from some rank and file officers.One said: 'I thought it marked Caribbean Week so I was thinking of coming to work in a grass skirt.'

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